Sense of community attracted Angelis family
For new SCNA board member Charles Angelis, coming to California from his native Greece was a cultural shock. He had lived on an island with 80,000 residents, where people knew their neighbors. In his 20s, he had served in the Greek army, traveling and meeting people from different walks of life.
In California, he found himself in cookie-cutter suburbs “where it seems people lock themselves in their homes after work and don’t talk to each other much.”
And then, while house hunting, Charles and his family discovered Curtis Park. “There’s a greater sense of community connection here,” he says.
“People seem to get out into nature, even if that’s urban nature, and talk to each other. Neighbors are friendlier here.”
Charles purchased a cargo bicycle to transport his children to school and shop for groceries at the new Safeway. Riding his bike with his children has helped Charles and his family feel connected with several staples of Curtis Park life – the farmers markets, coffee shops, events and other adventures.
Charles is a project engineer for the Bay Area startup Plex. Previously, he worked as a team manager for Apple at its Elk Grove campus, a digital media teacher for the San Juan Unified School District, and a freelance video editor. He is excited to consult and be a part of a future “tech lab” at Sierra 2.
Moos, wife enjoy biking to work downtown
New SCNA board member Alex Moos, his wife, Nichole, and their golden retriever, Chewie, knew Curtis Park was the perfect place to settle down.
Nichole works as an optometrist at Capitol Optometry on 12th Street. Alex works for the state Department of Education and is pursuing a doctorate in education at UC Davis. They can both ride their bikes to their downtown jobs if weather permits.
Alex and Nichole enjoy walking Chewie through the leafy streets of our historic neighborhood. They savor the restaurants and breweries that attract top culinary talent from all over California.
Alex is an audiophile. From Otis Redding and Miles Davis to Nirvana, his broad taste in music is found not on a Spotify playlist but on his collection of vinyl albums.
Alex and Nichole have a busy life, but Alex has prioritized volunteering some time and energy to serving on the SCNA board to connect with everything that makes this neighborhood a wonderful place to settle down.